Thelma Lou (Moorer) Knight

Thelma Lou (Moorer) Knight, age 85, of Ames, IA, formerly of Gary, IN, transitioned to eternal rest on Monday, October 19, 2026, at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, IA.

Thelma Lou Knight, daughter of the late Blanche and Parker Moorer, was born December 19, 1940.

After graduating high school, Thelma met and ultimately married Robert A. Knight Sr. Out of this union, three children were born: Robert, Deborah, and Edward. 

At a young age, Thelma learned how to cook and sew with her mom, watching all of the details she would later pass on to her children and grandchildren. She became known for her desserts, which were a favorite among family and friends alike. Thelma knew how to make pound cake (Lemon Cream Cheese and Five Flavor), as well as other desserts: German Chocolate, Pineapple Coconut, Red Velvet, and sweet potato pie, anchoring a family cookbook we all use. One item that was rare was the sweet rolls she learned how to make from her mom. These soft, cinnamon-sugar rolls were a special treat that brought joy to everyone fortunate enough to enjoy them.

While visiting family in Ames, IA, and attending Friendship Baptist Church, Thelma was asked by Pastor Terrance Shane when she was going to stop visiting and move to Ames. Not long after that conversation, she made Ames her home and became known as Mother Knight. In this role, she continued to encourage and uplift men and women in the Lord.

Thelma loved collecting angels and enjoyed showing them to all who would stop by to see her. She even remembered and told us often who she got each one from.

Thelma Knight passed away Monday, October 19, 2026. She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Oclelia Smalls; her children, Robert (Alesia) Knight, Deborah (Jeremy) Bucklin, and Edward (Sara) Knight; her grandchildren, Devin Knight, Victoria Knight, Kezia (Brent) Pitkin, Joe (Julia) Knight, Nick Knight, and Joshua Knight; her lovely great-grandchildren, Charlie Rose and Sophie; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by distant relatives and very good friends whom she treated like sisters.

The Celebration of Life will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m., with visitation prior from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., on October 30, 2026, at Friendship Baptist Church, 2400 Mortensen Road, Ames, IA, 50014, with host Reverend Brandon Glenn Sayles, Sr. Pastor